Confessions of a Traveler Who Rented the Wrong Surfboard (Then Found the Right Shop)

Let me paint a picture: I had just landed in Barbados, surfboard-less but confident. I figured I’d rent a board, hit the waves, and have an epic surf trip. I mean, how hard could it be?

Turns out, harder than I thought especially when you rent the wrong board from the wrong shop.

This is the story of how I wasted a perfect surf day, almost lost my surfing mojo, and then found the one shop that made it all right again: Dread or Dead, the true MVP of surfboard rentals in Barbados.

The Board That Looked Cool (But Wasn’t)

I arrived in Barbados all pumped up, headed straight to the nearest surf shop, and picked a board based on... well, looks. It was short, flashy, and looked like something a pro would ride. Never mind that I’m an intermediate surfer at best.

The guy behind the counter barely asked anything. He just handed it over, took my cash, and said, “Have fun.”

Well guess what....I didn’t........

Cue the Wipeouts

I headed to the beautiful Freights Bay, expecting smooth rides and sunny smiles. Instead, I got one of the most humbling sessions of my life.

The board was all wrong. It was too short, too unstable, and felt more like a balance challenge than a surfboard. I missed waves, wiped out hard, and paddled more than I surfed.

A few local surfers passed by me, catching waves with ease while I was looking like a extra character in a surf comedy movie who overacts like crazy.

Back on the beach, drenched and defeated, I sat in the sand wondering where I went wrong.

The Surf Shop Whisper

That evening, while sipping a cold drink and wallowing a bit, I overheard two surfers talking about a local Surfboard rentals in Barbados called Dread or Dead. “They’re the real deal,” one of them said. “They actually ask about your skill level and where you’re surfing before they hand you a board.”

You mean… people actually do that?

I was intrigued. So the next morning, I walked into Dread or Dead to check it out for myself.

The Right Shop, the Right Board

The difference was immediate. The staff greeted me with actual stoke and a simple question: “What kind of waves are you looking for?” Then came more:

“How long have you been surfing?”

“What kind of boards do you usually ride?”

“Where are you planning to surf?”

I explained my level and told them about the disaster with the previous board. They listened (without judgment) and recommended a mid-length board with just enough volume for easy paddling, but still responsive on the wave.

I rented it on the spot. No hesitation.

The Redemption Session

With the Dread or Dead board under my arm, I headed back to Freights Bay and it was like surfing for the first time again. I paddled easier. I caught waves. I actually rode them. The board matched my style, skill, and confidence level perfectly.

I smiled the entire session. The locals didn’t nod in admiration (I don’t think), but I was too happy to care. I had found my surf groove again all thanks to the right gear from the right people.

Don’t Make My Mistake

Here’s the deal: surfing in Barbados is a dream, but it can quickly turn into a frustration fest if you don’t rent the right board. Most surf shops just hand you what you ask for. Dread or Dead takes the time to ask you what you actually need.

Their team knows the breaks, understands different riding styles, and stocks a killer variety of boards for every level. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned ripper, they’ve got your back (and your board).

My Final Advice?

Don’t be like me. Don’t lose your first perfect surf day to a bad rental. Go straight to Dread or Dead, tell them what you need, and let the experts sort you out.

Surf trips are short. The waves are calling. And with the right board under your feet, every session can be magic.